CN110049935B

CN110049935B - Stack sheet remover

Info

Publication number: CN110049935B
Application number: CN201780037022.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 乔纳斯·安德森; 尼克拉斯·格兰丁; 斯特凡·古斯塔桑
Original assignee: Schur Technology AS
Current assignee: Schur Technology AS
Priority date: 2016-05-30
Filing date: 2017-05-29
Publication date: 2021-03-19
Anticipated expiration: 2037-05-29
Also published as: ES2821134T3; US20200277150A1; DK201670379A1; WO2017207510A1; EP3464139A1; CN110049935A; PL3464139T3; EP3464139B1

Abstract

A stack sheet remover system (PSR) is disclosed for preparing a stack of sheets having a height, a free end, and a side of a sheet edge for processing in a stack preparation unit (PPU). The PSR includes a sheet removal unit having a support frame supporting a movable frame configured for linear movement in an attack direction toward a side and a free end of a stack of sheets. The moveable frame has side support plates with side support surfaces arranged to face and be applied to the sides of the stack of sheets. The PSR has a gripper plate provided with a gripping surface which is substantially perpendicular to the side support surfaces and which extends beyond the side support surfaces in the attack direction and which is provided with a gripping actuator for a gripping movement towards the free end of the stack of sheets. The PSR has one or more attack blades disposed below the gripper plate to face the stack side and is configured with one or more attack actuators for a first attack movement in an attack direction to insert the one or more attack blades between a pair of sheets.

Description

Stack sheet remover

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a stack sheet remover system (PSR) for preparing a stack of sheets having a height, a free end and a side of a sheet edge for processing in a stack preparation unit (PPU). The PSR includes a sheet removal unit having a support frame supporting a movable frame configured to move linearly in an attack direction toward a side and a free end of the stack of sheets. The moveable frame includes a side support plate having a side support surface arranged to face and be applied to a side of the stack of sheets. The PSR comprises a gripping plate provided with a gripping surface which is substantially perpendicular to the side support surfaces and which extends beyond the side support surfaces in the attack direction, the gripping plate being provided with a gripping actuator for a gripping movement towards the free end of the stack of sheets. The PSR comprises one or more attack blades arranged below the gripper plate to face the stack side and provided with one or more attack actuators for a first attack movement in an attack direction in order to insert the one or more attack blades between a pair of sheets, i.e. between two adjacent sheets.

The invention also relates to a method of preparing a stack of sheets for processing in a PSR.

Background

Preparation of a stack of sheets for processing, such as for printing, may require removal of several sheets from the stack. There may be damaged sheets that need to be removed before processing. Damaged sheets may be located at the top or free end of the stack. Damaged sheets may be located at the bottom of the stack. The damaged sheet may be the bottom sheet of a stack standing on a tray.

Removal of the sheet is typically performed manually.

Attempting to remove several sheets may result in changing the stack of sheets that are otherwise ready for processing. Such changes may move or disturb an otherwise fully or fully aligned stack of sheets.

EP 1,484,270a2 discloses a stack sheet remover system of the type mentioned by way of introduction, US5,102,293A also discloses a stack sheet remover system of the type mentioned by way of introduction, which describes a method of preparing a stack of sheets for processing.

These systems disclose the use of an attack blade having an attack actuator for a first attack movement in an attack direction to insert the attack blade between a pair of sheets. The attack blade and the jaws are used together to grasp and hold the portion of the stack. The gripped portion of the stack is raised so that the deck is inserted between the pair of sheets. This requires the tapping knife to be large enough to support the part of the stack being grasped. However, this makes it difficult to securely insert a pair of sheets without damaging the sheets.

In these documents, there is no disclosure of a marking unit for marking the sheets on the free end of the stack of uncovered sheets. There is no reliable knowledge of which sheet in the stack is the last sheet.

Object of the Invention

The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the limitations set forth above.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is achieved by a stack sheet remover system (PSR) for preparing a stack of sheets having a height, a free end and a side of a sheet edge for processing in a stack preparation unit (PPU).

The PSR includes a sheet removal unit having a support frame supporting a movable frame configured to move linearly in an attack direction toward a side and a free end of the stack of sheets.

The moveable frame includes a side support plate having a side support surface arranged to face and be applied to a side of the stack of sheets.

The PSR comprises a gripping plate provided with a gripping surface which is substantially perpendicular to the side support surfaces and which extends beyond the side support surfaces in the attack direction, the gripping plate being provided with a gripping actuator for a gripping movement towards the free end of the stack of sheets.

The PSR comprises one or more attack blades arranged below the gripper plate to face the stack side and provided with one or more attack actuators for a first attack movement in an attack direction in order to insert the one or more attack blades between a pair of sheets, i.e. between two adjacent sheets.

The PSR includes a first attack blade for a first attack motion and a second attack blade for a second attack motion. The first attack blade is a smaller blade having a blade in the attack direction. The first knife may be a razor-type knife. The second attack blade is larger than the first attack blade and is in the form of a sharp point in the direction of attack.

The shape of the knife may also be a pencil type.

Automatic removal of the top sheet can thereby be achieved. Further, the settings may be adjusted according to different characteristics of the stack of sheets.

The use of smaller and larger knives ensures that the first knife separates the pair of sheets in the first attack movement without damaging them. The larger second knife used for the second attack motion ensures sufficient strength to support several sheets on the attack knife.

The PSR further comprises a marking unit arranged to mark a sheet on the free end of the stack of uncovered sheets.

A method for marking an uncovered sheet is thereby provided.

Another advantage is that the system may be arranged in a stack preparation unit, which in other aspects such as rotating the stack, ventilating the stack or replacing trays or tray positions.

In one aspect, the one or more second attack blades are configured with one or more lateral actuators for movement in a direction transverse to the line of attack direction and parallel to the sheet edge.

The knife used for the lateral movement may be a second attack knife. There may be one knife for lateral movement from the central region to the periphery. There may be another knife for lateral movement from the central region to the other side periphery. There may be two second attack blades, each configured with a respective lateral actuator.

This effectively separates the sheet to be removed from the remaining sheets. Another advantage is that the lateral movement places the knife in an advantageous position when the actual removal takes place, and thereby reduces the risk of damaging the sheet.

In one aspect, the one or more first attack blades are configured with one or more edge lift actuators for lifting movement transverse to the direction of the attack direction line and perpendicular to the sheet edge.

The lifting movement lifts the sheet edge upwards and thereby enables further insertion into the sheet.

Advantageously, the movement is performed quickly to improve separation of the sheets.

The lift actuator may be a pneumatic actuator. The length of action or speed of the actuator is adjustable.

In one aspect, the one or more attack blades are configured for a second attack motion that extends the first attack motion in the attack direction to further insert the one or more attack blades between the pair of sheets.

The second movement may be provided by the same actuator as for the first movement. The second movement may also be provided by a further actuator. There may thus be a first set of actuators and a second set of actuators.

The first type of actuator may be a fast bi-stable actuator for short range blast attack.

The second type of actuator may be a slower continuous type actuator, which may move more slowly and controllably. The second type of actuator may also be controlled to return when an insertion error or obstruction is detected.

In one aspect, one or more of the attack blades is configured with a single upwardly facing chisel edge and, optionally, a substantially linear edge extending away from the attack direction.

Such a blade shape provides a blade shape of a stylus or tip, as well as a blade shape that facilitates lateral movement.

In one aspect, the PSR may be provided in a tray replacement module that includes a tray access having a movable tray engagement tool for engaging a tray for extracting and/or inserting the tray.

The result of this is an integrated, fully automated preparation of the stack of sheets to be processed.

In one aspect, the PSR is co-located with a PPU configured to receive a stack of sheets on a tray, invert the stack of sheets on the tray upside down, release the tray from the stack of sheets, create a free end, wherein the relative position of the free end between the sheet removal unit and the PPU is adjustable to engage a side support plate, and is adjustable to insert or tap one or more tap knives.

Such a common arrangement advantageously allows for the removal of sheets that may have been damaged due to the interaction of the entire stack of sheets with the tray on which the stack was previously processed.

One object of the invention is achieved by a method of preparing a stack of sheets for processing. The method includes one or more of the following actions.

May have the actions: a stack of sheets to be processed is provided, the stack having a free end and a side of a sheet edge.

May have the actions: one or more attack blades are inserted between a pair of sheets in an attack direction in a first attack motion.

May have the actions: one or more attack blades are raised and lowered. The lifting action may lift the first attack blade in the shape of a small razor.

May have the actions: one or more tapping blades are inserted deeper in a second tapping movement.

Prior to the act of inserting the first attack blade, the method includes the following acts.

The actions are as follows: a stack remover system is provided that includes a marking unit configured to mark a sheet on a free end of an uncovered stack of sheets.

The actions are as follows: and marking the sheet on the free end of the uncovered sheet stack by using the marking unit.

The actions are as follows: the side support surface on the sheet removal unit is joined to the side of the sheet edge at the free end in the attack direction.

Optionally, there may be actions to perform one or more of the following actions.

May have the actions: one or more of the relevant attack blades are traversed in a lateral movement transverse to the line of attack direction and parallel to the sheet edge.

May have the actions: a number of sheets are gripped from the free end of the stack.

May have the actions: the number of sheets is removed from the free end.

One object is further achieved by a method of preparing a stack of sheets for processing, wherein the act of providing the stack of sheets is performed in a PPU.

The PPU may be configured to receive and rotate a stack of sheets on the tray.

The use of PPUs may include the following actions.

May have the actions: the stack of sheets on the tray is rotated upside down.

May have the actions: the tray is released from the stack of sheets that produces the free end.

May have the actions: the position of the resulting free end is repeatedly adjusted for the engagement and insertion action.

May have the actions: the released tray or another tray is applied to the resulting free end.

May have the actions: the stack of sheets is rotated with the applied tray.

A first independent invention may be a conveyor having a belt for transporting objects between a first end and a second end of the conveyor. The conveyor has a first belt drive transmission at a first end and a second belt drive transmission at a second end. The drive transmission may be configured in the respective direction as a freewheel type.

The conveyor includes an intermediate drive system disposed between the first end and the second end, and the intermediate drive system has a first communication with the first belt drive transmission and a second communication with the second belt drive transmission.

The conveyor includes a drive system in communication with the drive shaft in the intermediate drive system, and the drive system may be configured to bi-directionally rotate the drive shaft in a first drive direction and a second drive direction.

The conveyor may be provided with a drive shaft having intermediate communication with the first intermediate transmission through the first communication and with the second intermediate transmission through the second communication.

The disclosed conveyor is compact and lightweight, which enables it to be installed in industrial processing equipment. The conveyor can be adapted to rotate in the stack preparation unit. The conveyor is reversible and has a single centrally located drive system. The conveyor can transport heavy loads with equal loads and equal moments in the forward and reverse directions. The present conveyor eliminates or counteracts any "push" forces on the belt.

In one aspect, the first intermediate transmission is configured to engage and transmit force at a first engagement location in a first drive direction and engage and transmit force at a second engagement location in a second drive direction with a first non-engagement path between the two engagement locations.

In one aspect, the second intermediate transmission is configured to engage and transmit force at a first engagement location in a first drive direction and at a second engagement location in a second drive direction with a second non-engagement path between the two engagement locations.

In one aspect, intermediate communication is provided such that for a first drive direction, a second intermediate transmission is on a second non-engagement path while the first intermediate transmission is engageable in a first engagement position. In the same respect, for the second drive direction, the first intermediate transmission is caused to be on the first non-engagement path while the second intermediate transmission is engageable in the second engagement position.

Thus, for a first drive direction, the conveyor engages the first belt drive transmission, enabling a first pull toward the first end while the second belt drive transmission is freewheeling. For a second drive direction, a second pull toward the second end is achieved with the second belt drive transmission engaged while the first belt drive transmission is freewheeling.

Such a conveyor will be pulled towards the first and second ends, respectively, while the tension is released in the opposite ends, respectively. Pulling is understood to mean applying a traction force or force from the respective first or second end of the conveyor. This will enable the transporter to transport heavy objects to and from without building up tension. Another advantage is that the tension is released during "asymmetric load" use situations when heavy objects are transported in one direction, largely unloaded, and then transported back in the opposite direction as light objects. Another advantage is that the structure is formed as a flat structure of the conveyor in a direction transverse to the surface of the belt for engagement with the objects.

In one aspect, the intermediate communication includes an intermediate chain engaged with the drive gear on the drive shaft, a first intermediate drive gear on the first intermediate transmission, and a second intermediate drive gear on the second intermediate transmission. In one aspect, the first and second communications comprise first and second communication chains, respectively, that engage respective first and second belt cogs in the first and second belt drive transmissions with respective first and second communication cogs in the respective first and second intermediate transmissions, respectively. In one aspect, the first and second intermediate transmissions each have respective first and second intermediate drive cogwheels and respective first and second communicating cogwheels sharing common first and second countershafts with the first and second intermediate drive cogwheels, respectively. Furthermore, the first intermediate transmission and the second intermediate transmission are provided with engagement members, respectively, to transmit forces from at least the respective first and second drive gears to the respective first and second communicating cogwheels.

Hereby it is achieved that the intermediate transmission is able to apply a pulling or traction force to the first and second end of the conveyor, respectively. The engagement or force application is then dependent on the direction of rotation, such that for one direction of driving rotation the pulling or tractive force is from one end of the conveyor and for the other direction of driving rotation the pulling or tractive force is from the other end of the conveyor.

A second independent invention may be a stack preparation unit (PPU) for preparing a stack of sheets. The stack of sheets has a first end, optionally standing on a tray, and an opposite free second end, a leading edge side and a side edge side.

The PPU comprises a rotary base arranged to stand on a floor and to support a rotary unit arranged to have a feed side for receiving a stack of sheets in a feed direction. The stack of sheets is optionally located on a tray. The rotary unit includes a rotary unit frame having a rotary unit frame cross-section. The rotating unit may be provided with an edge side support unit provided with an edge side support face which supports an edge side of the stack of sheets in the rotated position resting against the edge side support face. The rotating unit includes a lifting unit configured to engage the lifting plate with the free second end of the stack of sheets in the stack preparation position and lift the stack of sheets.

In one aspect of a stacker preparation unit (PPU), a rotary unit frame includes two guides that move relative to each other in a feed direction and are each fixed to a rotary base and guide a conveyor belt driven by a rotary unit drive system in the rotary base. The conveyor belt may be a timing belt. The conveyor belt may be a chain.

It should be understood that the stack of sheets does not form part of the present invention. However, for clarity and understanding, the stack of sheets is the item for which the present stack preparation unit is directed. Those skilled in the art will therefore appreciate that changes to the PPU may be made depending on the stack size or shape.

Thus, the PPU provides an efficient and automated means to prepare a stack of sheets for processing. The disclosed PPU is capable of handling stacks of sheets of various types of sheet shapes and sheet sizes, as well as stacks of sheets of various sheet types and sheet weights. The disclosed PPU saves time, which allows for rapid setup of new material in the sheet. The stack prepared by the PPU will be more uniform and the PPU will provide a substantially constant throughput. The PPU can be fully integrated in an ERP system.

The rotation unit may rotate around a rotation axis, which may be a feeding direction. The rotation unit may be arranged to rotate the transporter about the feed direction. The conveyor may be provided to convey the tray and the sheet bundle from the feeding side to the stack preparation position in the feeding direction. In one aspect, the conveyor belt encircles the conveyor.

A third independent invention, which relates to changing the position of the tray from one side of the sheet stack to the opposite side of the sheet stack, discloses the following aspects of the invention. The replacement of the tray position may also involve replacing a first tray with a second tray. The first tray may be a disposable tray, such as a euro standard tray, and the second tray may be a process tray. The processing tray may be a type of tray used in a particular cleaning environment.

In one aspect, the rotation unit includes a first transporter configured to rotate with the rotation structure, and the elevation unit includes a second transporter configured as a second elevation plate. This enables automated processing, taking out an existing processing tray, reusing it, and applying it to the same stack of sheets after rotating the stack 180 degrees.

In one aspect, the lift unit includes a first lift plate and a second lift plate, each configured to move and seat in a lift structure to engage a first end and a second end, respectively, of the stack of sheets.

Thereby, a plate or face is provided, the position of which can be changed to support or carry the stack of sheets at the bottom and/or removed from the top to create the desired entrance or space or volume.

In one aspect, the stack preparation unit may be used to exchange a first tray for a second tray. The tray exchange module includes a first tray access having a movable first tray engagement tool configured to extend to a removal position of the rotary unit. The tray exchange module includes a second tray access having a movable second tray engagement tool configured to extend to a delivery position of the rotary unit, wherein the first tray access and the second tray access are vertically separated.

The elevator may be configured to move and position an elevator plate for placing the tray end of the stack of sheets in the respective take-out and delivery positions.

A fourth independent invention can be a stack preparation unit for replacing a first tray for supporting a stack of sheets having a first end and a second end with a second tray, wherein the tray has a support side that supports the stack of sheets at the first end of the stack of sheets and an opposite bottom side.

The stack preparation unit includes a rotation unit provided with a feed opening for receiving a tray having a stack of sheets. The rotation unit is provided with a rotation structure to rotate the elevation unit around a rotation axis.

The lift unit may be configured with a lift structure fixed to the rotating structure and having a lift plate movable along the lift structure to engage the second end of the stack of sheets and move and position the stack of sheets laterally relative to the rotating shaft to provide access for replacing the tray.

The stack preparation unit further includes a tray exchange module including a tray access and a tray engagement tool movable for engagement with the tray for removing and/or inserting the tray from/into the access formed by the upper region of the rotary unit when the lift plate is in the lower region of the rotary unit.

An inlet is understood as a space or volume formed in which further actions or preparations may be performed. In particular, this may involve a proper action or preparation of the stack of sheets at the free end of the stack. Such action may be the removal or extraction of the tray, the insertion or delivery of the tray, or both. The action may also be removing sheets from a defined free end of the stack.

Thus, the tray preparation unit can receive the sheet bundle and exchange the first tray with another tray in an automatic manner. The rotating unit includes a unit frame having a rotating unit frame cross-section. The rotation unit may be configured to rotate the transporter about the feed direction. The conveyor may be configured to convey the tray with the sheet bundle from a feeding side of the feeding direction to the stack preparation position.

In one aspect, the tray exchange module may include a first tray access having a movable first tray engagement tool configured to extend to a retrieval position of the rotary unit.

The tray exchange module includes a second tray access having a movable second tray engagement tool configured to extend to a delivery position of the rotary unit, the first and second tray accesses being vertically separated.

The lift may be configured to move and position a lift plate for placing the tray end of the stack of sheets in respective withdrawal and delivery positions.

In one aspect, the tray changing module is disposed at a side of the rotating unit and extends the tray engagement tool, i.e., the first or second tray engagement tool, or both, into the rotating unit from a lateral direction of the rotating shaft. The direction of insertion may be substantially horizontal, and the tray exchange module may be disposed at a side of the rotating unit with respect to the feeding at the front. The tray changing module includes a guide and a support as necessary to achieve horizontal movement of the tray. Likewise, the bonding tool and the tray are complementary in shape. The bonding tool is adjustable so that it can be matched to different types of pallets. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in order to move a particular type of tray at the tray inlet, adjustments may be necessary as required, as well as balancing or dimensioning the structure. A counterweight may be required. Similarly, actuators may be required to adjust the position and arrangement of the bonding tools, and thus the placement of the pallet. The drive system may be a belt drive type system which drives the movement. In one embodiment, the first and second bonding tools may be identical.

In one aspect, the stack preparing unit may further include a tray loading unit disposed on an opposite side of the tray exchange module and having a tray loading arm fixed to the rotating unit. The tray loading arm is configured to engage and support the second tray during rotation of the rotating unit and to place the second tray on the second tray engagement tool. The tray loading unit may be configured to engage and support the second tray during rotation of the rotating unit and to place the second tray on the second tray engagement tool. The tray loading unit may be provided with a tray loading arm fixed to the rotating structure of the rotating unit and adapted to engage the second tray such that when the rotating unit rotates the stack of sheets, the loading arm carries the second tray and turns the second tray upside down for delivering the second tray in the correct orientation on the second engaging means for direct insertion into the entrance.

A fifth independent invention may be a stack sheet remover system for preparing a stack of sheets having a height, a free end and a side of a sheet edge for processing in a stack preparation unit (PPU).

The PSR comprises a gripper plate which is provided with a gripping surface which is substantially perpendicular to the side support surfaces and which extends beyond the side support surfaces in the attack direction and which is provided with a gripping actuator for a gripping movement towards the free end of the stack of sheets.

Automatic removal of the top sheet can thereby be achieved. The arrangement can furthermore be adjusted to different properties of the stack of sheets. Another advantage is that the system may be arranged in a stack preparation unit, which in other aspects such as rotating the stack, ventilating the stack or replacing trays or tray positions.

In one aspect, there is a first attack blade for a first attack motion and a second attack blade for a second attack motion. The first attack blade may be a smaller blade, having a blade in the attack direction. The first knife may be a razor-type knife. The second attack blade may be larger than the first attack blade and in the form of a sharp point in the direction of attack. The shape of the knife may also be a pencil type.

In one aspect, the one or more second attack blades are configured with one or more lateral actuators for movement transverse to the attack direction line and parallel to the sheet edge. The knife used for the lateral movement may be a second attack knife. There may be one knife for lateral movement from the central region to the periphery. There may be another knife for lateral movement from the central region to the other side periphery. There may be two second attack blades, each configured with a respective lateral actuator.

In one aspect, the one or more first attack blades are configured with one or more edge lift actuators for a lifting motion transverse to the attack direction line and perpendicular to the sheet edge. The lifting movement lifts the sheet edge upwards and thereby enables further insertion into the sheet. Advantageously, the movement is performed rapidly to improve the separation of the sheets. The lift actuator may be a pneumatic actuator. The length of action or speed of the actuator is adjustable.

In one aspect, the one or more attack blades are configured for a second attack motion that extends the first attack motion in the attack direction to further insert the one or more attack blades between the pair of sheets. The second movement may be provided by the same actuator as for the first movement. The second movement may also be provided by a further actuator. There may thus be a first set of actuators and a second set of actuators.

Drawings

Embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a stack of sheets and a part of a stack sheet remover inside a stack preparation unit;

FIG. 2 shows a stack sheet remover system;

FIG. 3 illustrates removal of a sheet;

FIG. 4 shows a marking unit;

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of the marking unit;

FIG. 6 shows a stack sheet remover in cooperation with a marking unit; and

FIG. 7 shows a stack sheet remover system connected to a stack preparation unit;

FIG. 8 illustrates a method of preparing a stack of sheets for processing, including removing a number of sheets from the stack; and

fig. 9 illustrates a method of preparing a stack of sheets for processing, which further includes rotating the stack of sheets prior to removing a number of sheets from the stack.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a stack of sheets 210 inside a PPU 500. The stack 210 of sheets has a height 240, a free end 250, and a side 230 of a sheet edge 260. The PSR100 is located proximate the free end 250 of the stack of sheets 210.

Fig. 2 shows the PSR 100.

Fig. 2A illustrates a top view of the PSR100, the PSR100 including a sheet removing unit 110 having a supporting frame 120 supporting a movable frame 130.

The moveable frame is configured to move linearly in an attack direction 440 toward the side 230 and the free end 250 of the stack of sheets 210. The movable frame 130 has a side support plate 150, the side support plate 150 having a side support surface 160, the side support surface 160 being arranged to face and be applied to a side 230 of the stack of sheets 210.

The PSR100 has a grip plate 300. The grip plate 300 is provided with a gripping surface 310, which gripping surface 310 is substantially perpendicular to the side support surface 160 and extends beyond the side support surface 160 in the attack direction 440. The gripper plate 300 is provided with a gripping actuator 320 for a gripping movement 420 towards the free end 250 of the stack of sheets 210.

Fig. 2B shows an enlarged view of the front of the PSR 100.

In the figure the PSR100 is provided with two attack knives 170, which are located below the gripper plate 300, facing the side 230 of the stack of sheets 210. Two attack knives 170 are disposed on an attack knife support 175, the attack knife support 175 being movable on an attack knife support guide 176 on a moveable carriage 130, the moveable carriage 130 having one or more attack actuators 184, 186 (see fig. 2C and 2D) for performing at least one attack motion, here a first attack motion 410 and a second attack motion 412, in an attack direction 440 to insert the two attack knives 170 between a pair of sheets 220.

In this embodiment, PSR100 has two attack blades 170 and two attack actuators, a first attack actuator 184 and a second attack actuator 186 (see fig. 2C and 2D).

In fig. 2B, the PSR100 has two infeeding blades 170 configured with two lateral actuators 180 for lateral movement 400. The lateral movement 400 is transverse to the line of attack direction 440 and parallel to the sheet edge 260.

In another embodiment, the PSR100 may have one or more attack blades and one or more lateral actuators 180.

In fig. 2B, the PSR100 has two attack blades 170 configured with edge lift actuators 190 (see fig. 2C and 2D) for a lifting motion 430, the lifting motion 430 being transverse to a line of attack direction 440 and perpendicular to the direction of the sheet edge 260, i.e., the lifting motion 430 is perpendicular to the line of attack direction 440 and the transverse direction 400.

In another embodiment, the PSR100 has one or more attack blades 170 and one or more edge lift actuators.

In fig. 2B, PSR100 has two attack blades 170 configured for a second attack motion 412, which second attack motion 412 extends a first attack motion 410 in an attack direction 440 to further insert the two blades 170 between a pair of sheets 220. Second attack movement 412 may be the result of activating second attack actuator 186 (see fig. 2C and 2D for details).

In one embodiment, PSR100 has one or more attack blades 170 configured with a single-face upward chisel-type blade, and optionally, a substantially linear blade extending away from attack direction 440.

Fig. 2C and 2D show cross-sections of the front end of the PSR100 of fig. 2A and 2B. The cross-section is located in the center of the PSR in the transverse direction.

Specifically, this figure shows exemplary details of the configuration of a lift actuator 190, the lift actuator 190 being connected to the side support plate 150 and used to activate the lifting motion 430 of the attack blade 170.

The first attack actuator 184 here is a pneumatic type actuator for possible sharp movements. The lift actuator 190 here is a pneumatic type actuator for possible, significantly abrupt movements. Second attack actuator 186 is here for continuous and slower linear motion than for significantly more abrupt motion.

Fig. 3A and 3B illustrate removal of the sheet 200.

In fig. 3A, the side support surface 150 is connected to the side 230 of the stack of sheets 210, and the two attack blades 170 have performed a first attack movement 410 in the attack direction. Attack blade 170 may perform a second attack motion 412.

An attack blade 170 is inserted between a pair of sheets 220.

The grip plate 300 makes a gripping movement 420 between fig. 3A and 3B, the PSR100 moving in a direction opposite to the attack direction 440.

In fig. 3B, a single sheet 200 is removed from the stack of sheets 210.

Adjusting the position of the stack of sheets will adjust the position of the attack into the stack of sheets and more sheets can be removed from the stack of sheets 210.

Fig. 4 shows a marking unit 510 arranged to mark the uncovered free end 250 of the stack of sheets 210.

Fig. 5 shows an enlarged view of the marking unit 510. The marking unit 510 is configured to place a marker and mark a sheet (not shown). As is apparent from the figure, the position of the marker can be adjusted prior to marking.

Fig. 6 shows an application of the stack preparation unit, which employs a marking unit 510 and a stack sheet removal unit 100, arranged to mark a free laying sheet 200 after removal of one or more sheets and thereby establish a new free end 250.

Fig. 7 shows the PSR100 connected to the PPU 500. The sheet removing unit 110 is provided in conjunction with the PPU 500, and the PPU 500 is provided to accommodate the sheet bundle 210 on the tray 270 and to rotate the sheet bundle on the tray upside down. The PPU 500 is arranged for releasing the tray 270 from the stack of sheets 210, creating a free end 250. The free end 250 has a relative position between the sheet removal unit 110 and the PPU 500 that is adjustable to engage the side support plate 150 and adjustable to allow insertion or tapping of one or more tapping blades 170.

Fig. 8 illustrates a method 700 of preparing a stack of sheets 210 for processing.

The method includes the following acts.

The method comprises the following steps: a stack of sheets 210 to be processed is provided 710, the stack of sheets having a free end 250 and a side 230 of a sheet edge 260.

The method comprises the following steps: the side support surface 160 on the sheet removal unit 110 is joined 720 to the side 230 of the sheet edge at the free end 250 in an attack direction 440.

The method comprises the following steps: one or more attack blades 170 are inserted 730 between a pair of sheets in a first attack motion 410 in an attack direction 440.

Optionally, there are one or more of the following optional actions.

With optional actions: the attack knife 170 is raised and lowered 740.

With optional actions: one or more of the attack blades 170 are inserted 730 deeper in a second attack movement.

With optional actions: in a traverse 400, which is a line transverse to the attack direction 440 and parallel to the sheet edge 260, one or more relevant attack blades are traversed 750.

The method comprises the following steps: grabbing 760 the sheets from the free end 250 of the stack of sheets 210; and is

With optional actions: the number of sheets is removed 770 from the free end 250 by moving in a direction opposite to the attack direction.

Fig. 9 further illustrates a method with additional actions as disclosed in fig. 8.

The disclosed method 700 of preparing a stack of sheets 210 for processing is where the act of providing 710 the stack of sheets is done in a stack preparation unit 500, the stack preparation unit 500 being configured to receive and rotate the stack of sheets on the tray 270. Method 700 also includes the following acts.

The method comprises the following steps: the stack of sheets on the tray is rotated 780 upside down. The method comprises the following steps: the tray is released 790 from the stack of sheets, creating a free end 250. The method comprises the following steps: the resulting position of the free end 250 is iteratively adjusted 800 for the engaging and inserting action. The method comprises the following steps: applying 810 the released tray or another tray to the resulting free end 250, and having the action of: the stack of sheets is rotated 780 with the applied tray.

These steps may be accomplished by the stack preparation unit 500 shown in fig. 7.

Claims

1. A stack sheet remover system (100) for preparing a stack of sheets (210) having a height (240), a free end (250) and a side (230) of a sheet edge (260) for processing in a stack preparation unit (PPU), said system comprising:

-a sheet removal unit (110), the sheet removal unit (110) having a support frame (120) supporting a movable frame (130), the movable frame (130) being configured for linear movement in an attack direction (440) towards a side face (230) and a free end (250) of the stack of sheets (210), the movable frame (130) having a side support plate (150), the side support plate (150) having a side support face (160), the side support face (160) being arranged to face and be applied to the side face (230) of the stack of sheets (210),

-a gripper plate (300), the gripper plate (300) being provided with a gripping surface (310), the gripping surface (310) being substantially perpendicular to the side support surface (160) and extending beyond the side support surface (160) in an attack direction (440), the gripper plate (300) being provided with a gripping actuator (320) for a gripping movement (420) towards the free end (250) of the stack of sheets (210),

-one or more attack knives (170), the one or more attack knives (170) being arranged to face a side (230) of the stack of sheets (210) and being provided with one or more attack actuators (184) for at least one attack movement (410) in an attack direction (440) for inserting the one or more attack knives (170) between a pair of sheets (220);

wherein there is a first attack blade (171) for the first attack movement (411) and a second attack blade (172) for the second attack movement (412); wherein the first attack blade (171) is a smaller blade having a blade in an attack direction (440) and the second attack blade (172) is a larger blade, characterized in that the stack sheet remover system (100) further comprises:

-a marking unit (510), the marking unit (510) being arranged to mark a sheet on a free end (250) of an uncovered stack of sheets (210).

2. The stack sheet remover system (100) of claim 1, characterized in that one or more first attack knives (171) are configured with one or more edge lift actuators (190) for a lifting motion (430) transverse to the line of attack direction (440) and perpendicular to the direction of the sheet edge (260).

3. The stack sheet remover system (100) of any preceding claim, wherein one or more second attack knives (172) are configured with one or more lateral actuators (180) for lateral movement (400) transverse to a line of attack direction (440) and parallel to a sheet edge (260).

4. The stack sheet remover system (100) of claim 1, wherein one or more attack blades (170) are configured for a second attack motion (412), the second attack motion (412) extending the first attack motion (411) in an attack direction (440) to further insert the one or more attack blades (170) between a pair of sheets (220).

5. The stack sheet remover system (100) of claim 1, wherein one or more attack blades (170) are configured with a single upwardly facing chisel edge, and optionally have a substantially linear edge extending away from the attack direction (440).

6. The stack sheet remover system (100) of claim 1, said stack sheet remover system (100) being provided in a tray change module (600), said tray change module (600) comprising a tray access (620), said tray access (620) having a movable tray engaging means (630) for engaging a tray (270) for removal and/or insertion of said tray (270).

7. The stack sheet remover system (100) of claim 1, wherein said sheet removal unit (110) is co-located with a stack preparation unit (500), said stack preparation unit (500) configured to receive a stack of sheets (210) on a tray (270), rotate the stack of sheets on the tray upside down, release the tray from the stack of sheets, create a free end (250), wherein the relative position of said free end (250) between said sheet removal unit (110) and said stack preparation unit (500) is adjustable to engage a side support plate (150) and is adjustable to enable insertion or attack by one or more attack blades (170).

8. A method (700) of preparing a stack of sheets (210) for processing, the method comprising the acts of:

-providing (710) a stack of sheets (210) to be processed, the stack of sheets (210) having a side (230) with a free end (250) and a sheet edge (260);

-inserting (730) one or more attack blades (170) between a pair of sheets in a first attack motion (410) in an attack direction (440);

-lifting (740) the first attack blade (171);

-inserting (730) one or more second attack blades (172) deeper in a second attack motion (412);

optionally performing one or more of the following actions:

-traversing (750) one or more concerned attack knives in a traverse (400) of a line transverse to the attack direction (440) and parallel to the sheet edge (260);

-grabbing (760) a number of sheets from a free end (250) of a stack of sheets (210);

-removing (770) the number of sheets from the free end (250); characterized in that, prior to the act of inserting (730) the first attack blade (171), the method further comprises the acts of:

-providing a stack sheet remover system (100) comprising a marking unit (510), the marking unit (510) being arranged to mark a sheet on a free end (250) of an uncovered stack of sheets (210);

-marking the sheet on the free end (250) of the stack (210) of uncovered sheets with the marking unit (510); and

-engaging (720) a side support surface (160) on the sheet removal unit (110) to a side surface (230) of the sheet edge at the free end (250) in an attack direction (440).

9. The method (700) of preparing a stack of sheets (210) for processing according to claim 8, wherein the act of providing the stack of sheets is performed in a stack preparation unit (500), the stack preparation unit (500) being configured to receive and rotate the stack of sheets on a tray (270), further comprising the acts of:

-rotating (780) the stack of sheets on the tray upside down;

-releasing (790) the tray from the stack of sheets, creating a free end (250);

-repeatedly adjusting (800) the position of the resulting free end (250) for the action of engagement and insertion;

-applying (810) the released tray or another tray to the resulting free end (250);

-rotating (780) the stack of sheets with the added tray.